The Association for the Physically Disabled of Kenya (APDK) Embu regional branch has donated 30 wheel chairs to persons living with disability, courtesy of Chinese government.
Ten of the wheel chairs, with supporting gears designed for school going childrenwere given out.
While overseeing the issuance, County Executive Member in charge of Health, Dr. Jamlec Muturi said last year, APDK helped over 600 patients with mobility aids which included walking sticks, wheel chairs and special shoes.
“Last year the association which is a section of the Embu level five hospital also oversaw cleft lips surgery for 10 patients,” said Muturi.
Muturi observed that Embu level five hospital has already trained five staff in sign language interpretation which will help in efficient and effective service delivery to persons with hearing impairment.
The CEC appreciated the Chinese government for the wheel chairs and appealed to other well wishers to come on board to help the PWDs, adding that the county government will continue to support the physically disabled.
“The county government has already allocated funds in its budget to cater and support the physically disabled persons and support their programs and in tendering process,” noted CEC.
Peter Njiru, APDK Embu regional branch chairman said the association has been providing soft loans to persons living with disabilities who are registered with the organisation to help them earn their livelihood.
The APDK Embu region serves counties of Isiolo, Tharaka Nithi, Embu Kirinyaga, Marsabit and Meru.
“APDK is against dependency syndrome by PWDs through borrowing in the streets and advocate for self reliance hence the issuance of loans to the APDK members,” noted Njiru.
Njiru said they have consulted with the County Commissioner through his intelligent network to investigate who drops the street beggars early in the morning in Embu town and picking them later in the evening.
“The commissioner should organise how they should be removed from the streets for they are a security threat,” he added.
The Chairman appreciated the county government for considering PWDs for tenders and urged the PWDs to utilise what is reserved for them.
Ann Wanjiru who hails from Runyenjes appreciated the wheel chair given to her 9 year old child.
Wanjiru said she has experienced a challenge while taking care of her child who was diagnosed with an abnormality since she was four years old, adding that now the wheel chair will be of great assistance.
By Kimani Tirus
